Great opportunity to talk about cause and effect in this funny story that follows poor Pigeon's angry antics when he sees polite Duckling get a cookieGreat opportunity to talk about cause and effect in this funny story that follows poor Pigeon's angry antics when he sees polite Duckling get a cookie....more

I gobbled up The Summer of Letting Go on my plane ride home from Boston to Dallas, Texas, only setting it down long enough to walk off the plane and bI gobbled up The Summer of Letting Go on my plane ride home from Boston to Dallas, Texas, only setting it down long enough to walk off the plane and begrudgingly talk with my husband on the ride home because really -- Just let me read! (Sorry, Husband, you know I love you.)

Polisner's writing is filled with empathy for the young adult reader -- each word, every interaction, speaks to the heart of what it is like to grow up a mixed-up teen in a very mixed-up world.

In this book, Francesca (known as Beans to her family), was supposed to be watching her little brother, Simon, at the beach, when he drowns. Afterward, her family begins to drift apart and Francesca blames herself. Then she meets Frankie Sky, a boy that seems all too similar to the brother she lost, and her life may never be the same.

Although Francesca is hurting and feels as if she is also losing her parents and her closest friend, Frankie Sky is so full of life and mischief that his rolling antics add just the right lightness to this achingly beautiful and memorable story of loss and grief and life and learning how to tread water again after all the trauma begins to wash away. Polisner's treatment of Francesca and each of her relationships with the other characters in this story are powerful. I found myself reliving those confused days of trying to navigate friendships, boyfriends, and parents that seem too far away to help, and cried right along with Francesca through it all.

This is a book I want to put in the hands of every teenage reader, if only to let them know that there are authors out there who get it, there are adults out there who can help, and there are books out there that sometimes (just sometimes) can help us understand that we aren't alone, even when we are hurting....more

I have loved little Molly Lou since she stacked pennies on her teeth. This new adventure is just as lovely and brave as the first, and the nod towardI have loved little Molly Lou since she stacked pennies on her teeth. This new adventure is just as lovely and brave as the first, and the nod toward creativity and the "maker" movement that is popular right now makes this an excellent mentor text or read aloud for groups that aren't quite sure about jumping forward with their own creativity. As before, the illustrations are as bold and beautiful as Molly Lou and her Grandma - just perfect! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch those SKY-wide movies in the clouds....more

Jason Chin has created a beautiful celebration of a place that has enchanted me since I was a child. In words that children of all ages will be able tJason Chin has created a beautiful celebration of a place that has enchanted me since I was a child. In words that children of all ages will be able to understand and enjoy, he explains the Galapagos, evolution, and more. Well worth the read. Even the end papers are beautifully rendered to enhance the overall experience when reading....more

I just love the watercolor illustrations, which seem to perfectly tell the story of how Daisy feels as she chases after her ball into the forest, getsI just love the watercolor illustrations, which seem to perfectly tell the story of how Daisy feels as she chases after her ball into the forest, gets lost, and then finally, is reunited with her owner. The swirl of activity and color on the final pages says all that needs to be said. Excellent mostly wordless picture book that will be a favorite of children and teachers and certainly every dog lover....more

LOVE. Love, love, love this book. If you're looking for a sweet story that will tug on your heart -- this is the one. Annabelle finds a box filled witLOVE. Love, love, love this book. If you're looking for a sweet story that will tug on your heart -- this is the one. Annabelle finds a box filled with colorful yarn on a cold, winter day -- and what happens next is spectacular. Even when the bad guys come -- because they always do! -- what has been started cannot be undone. Just perfect. Don't miss out on reading this to your little ones or your class!...more

This book is a beautiful celebration of imagination and creativity. The homage to Harold and the Purple Crayon makes my heart smile. A must-share withThis book is a beautiful celebration of imagination and creativity. The homage to Harold and the Purple Crayon makes my heart smile. A must-share with readers, young and old....more